Predicted Barcelona Line-up To Face Eibar In La Liga
Barcelona will look to continue their strong start to the season, when they take on Eibar in the La Liga, at Camp Nou on Tuesday night.
The Catalans are off the blocks early and find themselves at the top of the table, with 12 points in 4 games, enjoying a perfect start to the new campaign, with their latest win coming in the form of a 2-1 win over Getafe away from home on Saturday. Manager Ernesto Valverde will be keen on continuing the excellent form and maintain the four-point gap over arch-rivals Real Madrid.
Team News
The Blaugrana have been dealt a bitter blow as club-record signing Ousmane Dembele is ruled out for four months, after being subbed off against Getafe. Arda Turan and Rafinha are back in training, but are unlikely to get a place in the starting XI.
Here’s how Barca could take the field against Eibar on Tuesday night:
Manager: Ernesto Valverde
Formation: 4-3-3
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK)
The German hasn’t missed a single minute of action for the Blaugrana this term and should take the field in goal against Eibar.
Nelson Semedo (RB)
The Portuguese was benched for the weekend game against Getafe, in favour of Sergi Roberto, but could come back into the starting XI for this game.
Javier Mascherano (CB)
The veteran Argentine could come into the starting setup at the heart of the defence, in order to afford Gerard Pique some rest.
Samuel Umtiti (CB)
Has been Barcelona’s best defender so far this season and is a permanent fixture when fit and available. Should partner Mascherano in the defence.
Jordi Alba (LB)
The Spaniard has been doing quite well this term, after a poor 2016/17 season. Should continue to keep Lucas Digne out of the playing XI.
Paulinho (CM)
The Brazilian international scored the winner against Getafe in the weekend and might be rewarded with a start by Valverde, in place of Ivan Rakitic.
Sergio Busquets (CM)
The Spanish midfielder should continue to play the anchor role for the Catalans and look to link the two halves of the pitch effectively.
Denis Suarez (CM)
Another goal scorer from Saturday’s game, Denis Suarez may get the nod for Tuesday’s fixture in order to give captain Andres Iniesta some much-needed rest.
Gerard Deulofeu (RW)
With Ousmane Dembele ruled out for a considerable amount of time, the former Everton man will be given a chance to stake a claim for the spot on the right flank.
Luis Suarez (ST)
The Uruguayan hasn’t been able to find his best form as of yet and has scored just one goal so far. Will be keen on addressing that.
Lionel Messi (LW)
The little magician continues to be the difference maker for Barca this term. 8 goals in 7 games in all competitions shows how important he has been. A definite starter.
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